Kintamani Volcano Tours

Two hours by road from Denpasar in Bali’s northeastern highlands lies the region known simply as Kintamani Volcano. The Indonesian island’s only district without a shoreline, it’s famous instead for its volcanoes. On the rim of the Batur caldera, 4,921 feet (1,500 meters) above sea level, several villages (Penelokan, Batur, and Kintamani) afford impressive views of Mt. Baturn, an active, sacred volcano.

The Basics

Visitors come to Kintamani Volcano not for its beaches (there are none) but for its stunning active volcano, outdoor adventures, and cultural appeal. One of the most popular activities in the region is a sunrise trek to the top of sacred Mt. Batur—an active volcano—though it’s also possible to cycle downhill through UNESCO-listed rice terraces, soak in the hot springs on the shores of Lake Batur, tour a coffee plantation, watch a traditional Barong dance performance, or visit one of the island’s most important directional temples, Pura Ulun Danu Batur.

Things to Know Before You Go

Kintamani Volcano is a must-see for adventure travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Bring a warm layer of clothing; the temperatures here are significantly cooler than the towns of Bali’s coast.

Situated about two hours from the beaches of South Bali, many travelers visit Kintamani on a day trip from Ubud. Daily buses run between Ubud and the villages of the area, but the most convenient way to get there is a guided full-day tour.

When to Get There

It is best to arrive at Kintamani early, as cloud cover and fog often set in by late afternoon, disrupting the views.

Bali Aga Culture in Kintamani

The indigenous Balinese of the highlands, often called the Bali Aga or “mountain Balinese,” have their own distinct traditional culture, often well-preserved due to their isolation in the island’s interior. To experience this ancient culture in Kintamani, pay a visit to the village of Trunyan, known for its excellent views of Mt. Batur and its unusual cemetery, where the deceased are laid to rest out in the open at the foot of a holy tree, simply covered with cloth beneath canopies of bamboo.